The 3rd Avenue lot near St. HOPE’s 40 Acres Complex was once the
site of Esther’s Pastry Shoppe, a two-story mixed use building
constructed in 1915 that provided Oak Park residents with freshly
baked goods through much of the 1900’s. By the time the historic
building was acquired by St. HOPE Development Company in the late
1990’s, it was in a state of disrepair and in need of major
funding before it could be restored. In 2018, the badly
deteriorated building was deemed uninhabitable and was therefore
demolished.

After just a few months, St. HOPE transformed the empty, fenced
up parcel into a newly landscaped park appropriately named
“Esther’s Park”. St. HOPE’s latest addition to the culturally
rich Oak Park neighborhood was constructed to add to the
continuing growth and diversity of the community. Esther’s Park
now provides another gathering place for users to host events,
celebrate special occasions, and support the local economy.

To inquire about having an event at the new Esther’s Park, please
contact manager@guildtheater.com.